Qipao (Cheongsam) in Shanghai

Introduction of Qipao

The Qipao, also known as the buy cheongsam online or mandarin gown, is a type of traditional Chinese female costumes. In most western countries and in the Cantonese dialect cheongsam is the name of a garment worn by both men and women. However, Chinese view the cheongsam as a male dress and use the word Qipao for its female equivalent.

It is featured by stand collar, right side opening, fitting waist and slip bottom, which can fully set off the beauty of the female shape.

With a history of over 300 years old, Qipao was originated from Manchu women typical dress. During Qing Dynasty, Han people are forced to dress in Cheongsam instead of Han Chinese clothing. With later improvements, it has become the traditional dress for Chinese women.

Qipao Style

Qipao has been experiencing constant changes with the fashions in different ages. There are a wide range of Qipao styles.

Original Qipao: The first and “traditional” qipao when introduced to the larger Han population were wide, baggy and rather loose. It covered most of the women’s body.

Modern-day Qipao Features: straight collar, right placket, tight waist, knee-length and slits on both sides. Either be long-sleeved or short-sleeved. The new-style one is associated with new features and a great deal of modern design elements in color, cutting and match, which are mainly embodied in the change of the bottom, as well as diversified materials.

The neck styles: high-neck, low-neck and neck-less styles.

The Sleeves: long-sleeve to short-sleeve and sleeveless.

The Slits: high and low-slit styles.

The Placket Patterns: Ruyi plackets, Pipa plackets, Slant-cut plackets and Double plackets, etc;

The Fancy Patterns on Qipao:

- Peony: Chinese National Flower. Peony symbolizes richness and prosperity and it is the most favored flower in China.- Lotus: symbolizes beauty and purity- Chrysanthemum: symbolizes longevity- Fish: a symbol for prosperity- Dragon: symbolizes “Supreme Power”- Phoenix: beauty and purity.

Shanghai Style Qipao

The Shanghai style qipao was formed in the 1930s, when people began to wear a western jacket, overcoat or sweater over a qipao.

The modern version of the qipao was first developed in Shanghai around 1900, when the Qing Dynasty came to an end and people eagerly seeked for a more modernized style of dress.

History of Qipao in Shanghai

Qipao is the classic element of Shanghai, with its hundred year history, Qipao shows the history of Shanghai as well.

In the beginning, women in Shanghai altered the traditional long shirt into the weskit. After 1927, imitating the western women, they started to wear the overcoat.

In 1928, the development of the cheongsam entered a new stage. The length was reduced to about six centimeters below the knees; thus the whole lower leg would be exposed and it was very convenient for ladies to walk at ease in the dress.

In 1933, a slit on the left side and a 17cm-long slit in the cuffs appears. Soon modern ladies all followed her example. Later on, the slits became deeper and deeper. At the same time, the waist of the cheongsam was made tighter and tighter.

Heyday of Qipao in Shanghai

Cheongsam greeted its prime time in the 1930s when its irreplaceable role in female garment was established.

Young ladies of note such as Zhou Xuan, Hu Die and Ruan Lingyu were dressed in Qipao. In particular, the Qipao worn by Miss Hu Die were chased after by those young ladies of note in old Shanghai. Many celebrates, like Song sisters also love Qipao.

Today, Qipao is also the modern designer’s fashion icon.

sources:  chinaodysseytours.com